Lung Cancer: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

Cancer occurs when the cells in your body divide uncontrollably, leading to the formation of tumours and hampering the normal functioning of that organ. Advancements in medical science and early diagnosis can allow a person to lead a healthy and fulfilling life.

As of 2020, of all types of cancers, the three most fatal cancers are lung cancer, liver cancer, and colorectal cancer. So, let's discuss the causes of lung cancer, symptoms of lung cancer, and lung cancer treatment.

Lung Cancer Causes

Lungs are two pairs of spongy appendages that lie above the diaphragm in the chest cavity and help filter the oxygen from the air we breathe in and exhale the carbon dioxide produced in our body through metabolism. It is one of the vital organs for our survival. 

The Common Causes of Lung Cancer are:

1. Smoking
2. Constant exposure to chemical substances like radon, diesel exhausts, and asbestos
3. Air pollution
4. Passive or second-hand smoking
5. Genetics
6. Previous radiation therapy

There are 2 Common Types of Lung Cancer:

• Small cell lung cancer infection is prevalent among heavy smokers.
• Non-small cell lung cancer consists of other categories of lung cancers like squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, and large cell carcinoma.

Lung Cancer Symptoms

At its earliest stages, signs of lung cancer are almost absent, which is one reason it is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. 

Some Symptoms of Lung Cancer that you should be Aware of are:

1. Shortness of breath or wheezing
2. Constant coughing that doesn’t go away even after 2-3 weeks
3. Chest pain that worsens when the person laughs or takes deep breaths
4. Hoarse voice
5. Spitting phlegm or blood
6. Weakness that doesn’t subside
7. Loss of appetite
8. Weight loss
9. Respirator infections that occur recurrently

These were early stage cancer symptoms, but they can happen at later stages. Below are mentioned some late stages of lung cancer symptoms:

1. Lumps occurring in the neck and collarbone region
2. Pain in back, shoulder, ribs, and hips
3. Headaches
4. Dizziness
5. Finger clubbing
6. Balance issues
7. Swelling in face 
8. Lack of perspiration in one half of the face

The tumour can often secrete certain hormones that cause secondary diseases like Paraneoplastic syndrome and Horner syndrome.

How is Lung Cancer Diagnosed?

If you experience any of the above symptoms, you should immediately consult a doctor. After the initial consultation, the doctor can conduct lung cancer tests like: 

• Imaging tests like X-ray, MRI, PET Scan or CT-Scan 
• Sputum cytology
• Bronchoscopy 
• Biopsy 

Stages of Lung Cancer

Cancers are divided into stages, depending on the tumour’s spread. Staging helps doctors determine the treatment plan.

Stage 1: It is found in the lung and has not spread to the outside.

Stage 2: Tumours are in the lungs and adjoining lymph nodes.

Stage 3: Cancerous cells in the lung and lymph nodes in the middle of the chest. It is further divided into two steps:

• Stage 3A: Cancerous cells are found in lymph nodes on the side of the lungs where it was first found.
• Stage 3B: Cancerous cells are found in lymph nodes on the other side of the lung from where they started.

Stage 4: Cancer has spread to both lungs, areas surrounding the lungs, and even in other organs.

Lung Cancer Treatment

The type and stage of lung cancer determine the treatment method that your oncologist would undertake. Doctors can often use a combination of treatments depending on a person’s overall health, age, and co-morbidity. Those suffering from advanced stages of lung cancer can also be provided palliative care.

Treatment for Non-Small Cell Cancer

As per the American Cancer Society, treatment for NSCLC can be conducted via the following processes:

• Surgery 
• Radio Frequency Ablation (RFA)
• Radiation therapy
• Chemotherapy
• Targeted Drug therapy
• Immunotherapy

Treatment for Small Cell Lung Cancer

• Chemotherapy
• Immunotherapy
• Radiation therapy
• Surgery

Other Treatment Options for Lung Cancer

Apart from treatments suggested by your oncologist and pulmonologist, there are certain home remedies, lifestyle changes and dietary modifications which can provide a certain comfort.

• Massage: It helps relieve pain and related stress and anxiety
• Acupuncture: Provides relief from pain, nausea, and vomiting
• Meditation: Reduces stress, depression, and anxiety
• Yoga: Helps with breathing problems and leads to a better quality of sleep
• Healthy Diet: Have small and frequent meals; drink mint and ginger tea, and avoid spicy food

Niva Bupa Provides a Blanket of Safety for Those Fighting Lung Cancer

Having family and financial support is important when fighting a deadly disease like lung cancer. Cancer treatments are readily available, but it is also costly. Niva Bupa’s CritiCare- Critical Illness Insurance Policy can provide the right economic support. Insurance coverage is available from ₹3 lakhs up to ₹3 crores, and the premium amount starts at ₹12,521 per year.

By getting this health insurance, individuals can safeguard themselves from financial constraints due to lung cancer. Niva Bupa provides direct claim settlement.